Moab/Kokopelli in September?

[EatonKyleH]

I also have a CB as does my buddy that will be joining. I've got a Uniden PRO520XL which fits in the ash tray location really nice and doesn't look out of place either. Works great.

My friend just has a hand held one that gets the job done without adding an antenna and all that.

Plans sound good so far.

I'll be with 2 rigs, so if you and Kid V are in we are currently at 4 total.

 

[ARC]

I also have a CB as does my buddy that will be joining. I've got a Uniden PRO520XL which fits in the ash tray location really nice and doesn't look out of place either. Works great.

My friend just has a hand held one that gets the job done without adding an antenna and all that.

Plans sound good so far.

I'll be with 2 rigs, so if you and Kid V are in we are currently at 4 total.

I'll look into that model and will plan to have something by day 1. Hand held May be a good backup if time/budget does not allow me to get something permanent.

 

[Dirtco]

That would be great if you can join! I'm absolutely thrilled about the trip and read that article recently which was also great. I think I've read almost everything I could find online and in the process felt like I should buy a mountain bike haha.

I'm definitely only used to the terrain that covers most of Colorado and Wyoming really so the change up in scenery and wheeling will be interesting all on its own. Really part of why I am making a longer trip out of it since it wont feel like anything I'm used to.

I'm planning on attending the Jambo in Salida this August that I was asking you in your build thread about awhile ago. I think I'll spend the weekend down there and tag along on whatever trail runs I can. It'll be good to meet you guys and see some sweet rigs.

I’ll see what I can do, I would love to join you guys if I can!

Let me know about your plans for the Jambo, it would be great if you can make it!

Sounds good to me, I am going to keep consulting an of the local experts I can track down on any questions we come up with.

I will look into the permits, but I assumed that if we keep the group small none will be required.

This is a really well broken down write up I found:
Kokopelli 4×4 Trail | IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog
The GPS tracks are areally nice. As well naming different legs of the trail by landmarks so we can all have some common names of the different sections to use as we plan. I'll try to relearn (it's been a few years) Google Earth and see if I can modify the track and upload it based on our plans and put in some checkpoints we can all reference.

I think this is going to be really fun and I think we should keep our plan flexible. A trip like this we may be able to travel some sections much faster than some groups assuming we keep the amount of vehicles down, but need to be ready to change plans should we run into problems. That's the fun of remote overland travel though isn't it?


Tentative itenerary using the names in the write up linked above:

Day 1 9/28 Rabbit Valley to Westwater area maybe a little further towards Cisco Wash, find nice camp for the night. This should be a day with lost of easy miles covered and neat views of the Colorado River.

Day 2 9/29 Westwater to Top of the World. Many camp right at the trailhead for TotW and I have heard of small groups camping at the top. I can imagine the top can be extremely windy depending on weather. This will be by far the most technical day, but should be really fun and scenic. We have a little flexibility here to either run TotW or save it for the morning.

Day 3 9/30 Top of the World to Moab Via Sand Flats. This is leg I know the least about until we get onto SF road. It is higher elevation and I don't believe will provide any technical challenges. Should be a nice and relaxing finish.

Let me know what you guys think. And if you are reading this and have knowledge of the trail please share it.

I would like to add a couple comments, and what I experienced running the Dewey Bridge to Moab section a couple months ago, if you don’t mind. I also followed IntrepidXJ's track, he did a great job but it might be lacking in a couple spots.

First, my opinion on permits. I’ve heard of some groups getting them, but I don’t know the details. I have a hard time understanding the need for them; this is after all BLM land and just a bunch of random trails that somewhat interconnect to make a path to Moab. None of these single trails require a permit or pass to run them; I could understand it for large organized groups, but not a few rigs (especially if we are not starting at the actual Kokopelli “kiosk”). I honestly look at Kokopelli as more of a concept, rather an actual trail.

I ran the last leg of Kokopelli in May, from Dewey Bridge on. Here is a link to the full trip report and pictures for that day.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/95322-dirtcos-1999-4runner-build-79.html#post1699496

This last leg is actually the hardest section of the entire trail (ARC, I think you forgot about Rose Garden Hill!), and makes for a very long day! Top of the World is a must do, period (the view at the end is the best in Moab)! There’s not much for camping on the way up the trail, only a couple small sites suitable for a rig or two. There is a large open area at the end of the trail, but I would not camp there, it’s extremely windy and open to the elements.

TrailDamage.com - Top Of The World

After Top of the World is Cottonwood Canyon, this is a lesser-used section of Kokopelli but a great detour from the main road.

TrailDamage.com - Cottonwood Canyon

Then you run Rose Garden Hill, the beginning of the trail is kind of tight and has a few off camber sections. The hill itself is steep, with ledges and loose rock covering everything; it is the hardest part of the entire Kokopelli trail!

TrailDamage.com - Rose Garden Hill

Up to this point the trail is easy to follow, and there are small signs pointing the way at every intersection. After Rose Garden Hill that changes, and it gets harder to follow the trail. You’re pretty much on dirt roads and pavement from here on, and minimal signs to point the way. It’s really easy to loose your way from here on.

 

[ARC]

I hadn't forgotten Rosegarden Hill. But I guess my geography was a little bit off. I thought Rosegarden Hill was before top of the world making it at the end of day 2.

Thanks for th additional info. I am super excited for this trip.

 

[ARC]

First, my opinion on permits. I’ve heard of some groups getting them, but I don’t know the details. I have a hard time understanding the need for them; this is after all BLM land and just a bunch of random trails that somewhat interconnect to make a path to Moab. None of these single trails require a permit or pass to run them; I could understand it for large organized groups, but not a few rigs (especially if we are not starting at the actual Kokopelli “kiosk”). I honestly look at Kokopelli as more of a concept, rather an actual trail.

I agree with this as well but will talk to the BLM office and see what their official answer is. I think since this not part of an actual organized/sponsored/insured event we shouldn't need one.

 

[KidVermicious]

I figured. Any advice on what I should look for as far as brand, model, or features? Literally know nothing about these things outside of what I saw on Dukes of Hazard as a kid.

I have a Midland 75-822. More expensive than a small Cobra or Uniden, but it doesn't take up precious dash space either and I can move it from truck to truck as necessary.

I think I can make the proposed dates work, assuming I can get free at all. I'll start bugging the boss for vacation time, and bugging The Boss for permission to leave her alone with the boys for a long weekend.

 

[ARC]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] I hope you come. I have been really jealous of your build (rear bumper especially) since I joined this site. Really wish I had your skills.

 

[KidVermicious]

Kyle, I'd like to spread the word to a couple friends that I know would like to do this trip too. Do you object, and what's your cap?

 

[EatonKyleH]

Kyle, I'd like to spread the word to a couple friends that I know would like to do this trip too. Do you object, and what's your cap?

No problem at all man. I don't really have a cap but would definitely like to stay under 10 or so rigs.

 

[Fishwerks]

:spy:

 

[KidVermicious]

:spy:

You said that last time.

 

[ARC]

No permits required according the the Grand Junction BLM office. :lookout:

 

[EatonKyleH]

:spy:

Chris! You, Tyler, Kade and others are more than welcome to join. The whole thing or just meet up in Moab. Just throwing it out there... I think I texted you about it awhile back.

 

[Fishwerks]

Chris! You, Tyler, Kade and others are more than welcome to join. The whole thing or just meet up in Moab. Just throwing it out there... I think I texted you about it awhile back.

Yeah you did! I'd love to do it, and I won't have classes this fall I'll just be doing research. So chances are that I can come, but I won't know until a few weeks before the trip and I see where I'm at with my work.

Sub'd so that I can keep an eye on the plan.

 

[Dirtco]

I figured. Any advice on what I should look for as far as brand, model, or features? Literally know nothing about these things outside of what I saw on Dukes of Hazard as a kid.

Right Channel Radios has a bunch of info on CB's, that's where I got all my stuff and I had great service. It's not so much the radio, but more the antenna and tuning that make all the difference. Here is an awesome link that covers all the basics, and more technical info.

CB Radio Articles: Selection | Installation | Troubleshooting

 

[Dirtco]

[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] I hope you come. I have been really jealous of your build (rear bumper especially) since I joined this site. Really wish I had your skills.

Thanks Andrew! I would love to go, the entire Kokopellli trail has been on my list for a long time. I just need to see whats going on with work once we get a little closer.

Just a heads up to everyone, if I do make it for the trip I'll have the trailer with me. At this point I doubt I will run the Cottonwood Canyon or Rose Garden Hill sections of the trail. I know it's possible, but I don't want to make a long day on the trail any longer for the group, especially by dragging my trailer through the hardest part of the trail. I can take Onion Creek over to the end of Rose Garden Hill, and make the small trip up to the base of the actual hill to meet back up with you guys.

Cough, [MENTION=44220]BigFishAllDay[/MENTION] ,Cough

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Thanks Andrew! I would love to go, the entire Kokopellli trail has been on my list for a long time. I just need to see whats going on with work once we get a little closer.......

Cough, BigFishAllDay,Cough

I've been lurking on this thread since I saw it a few days after Kyle posted.

I'm taking a fall vacation and will be off work 9/22 through 10/19. The only commitment I have during that period is taking my Wife and little girl to Florida for some family fun. If I can make the dates of this trip work with whatever dates we settle on for the FL trip, then you guys can count me in 100%... that is assuming you'll have me along. :wave:

I've run TOTW, and alot of the stretch between there and Moab. I checked out Rose Garden, but didn't run it. This trip sounds like a lot of fun, though, and I'd love to run the whole trail.

I should know the dates of the FL trip in the next month, and I'll follow up once I do.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

I wish you guys were going earlier in the month when I'm off from work!

I may have to start a new thread about kokopelli in early sept:keyboard:

 

[ARC]

So far my wife and I and one other couple from Denver are committed.
We are all in our mid to later 20s and there will be a few friendly dogs joining the mix.

Kyle, I was thinking about this earlier and wasn't sure if you had considered that dogs aren't aloud in the National Parks (at least I don't think they are). Not try to discourage the dogs, but I think you had said this was your first trip to Moab and Arches/Canyon Lands is usually considered a must see.

Either way food for thought. We will likely be bringing our friendly dog:thumb:

 

[EatonKyleH]

Kyle, I was thinking about this earlier and wasn't sure if you had considered that dogs aren't aloud in the National Parks (at least I don't think they are). Not try to discourage the dogs, but I think you had said this was your first trip to Moab and Arches/Canyon Lands is usually considered a must see.

Either way food for thought. We will likely be bringing our friendly dog:thumb:

Ya I'd like to make it work without the dogs but I'm not sure we'll be able to. Either way I'd be ok... and possibly just another reason to return. Thanks for the heads up.